Nike Introduces the Kobe 9 Elite Low HTM

The latest in the HTM series celebrates the potential of Flyknit technology to transform basketball.

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words // Brandon Richardvia Press Release

Part of the ongoing design collaboration among President and CEO Mark Parker, Fragment Design Founder Hiroshi Fujiwara and Nike Innovation Leader Tinker Hatfield, Nike presents the Kobe 9 Elite Low HTM. The latest in the HTM series celebrates the potential of Flyknit technology to transform basketball.

The key mission of HTM remains the same: highlight new technologies and hint at future applications by expanding innovation beyond current constraints. While acknowledging how culture adopts performance innovation beyond its original intent, Parker, Fujiwara and Hatfield gather around a table to envision how the latest performance innovation can further transcend sport and culture by responding to the intuitive needs of the human body. Working to stretch and apply the newest innovations, the results elevate existing technology to a brave new concept.

Nike Lunarlon, Flywire and Nike Flyknit come together in the lightweight, incredibly strong KOBE 9 Elite Low HTM. Dynamic Flywire cables loosen and tighten with the natural motion of the foot. Lightweight threads link to an ultra-thin web outsole, which is printed with a pressure map of Kobe Bryant’s foot in a nod to the shoe’s athlete-insight-led design. Stripped of the original proprioceptive collar, the Kobe 9 Elite Low HTM offers a lifestyle celebration of performance-born innovation.

Made in four neutral palettes ranging from heather white/gum to black/marble, the Kobe 9 Elite Low HTM collection is complemented by carefully nuanced design details such as reflective flecked laces, anodized HTM aglets, embossed snake scales and reflective Swoosh trademarks. Translucent windows in the outsole are embedded with the remains of the Flyknit construction process, a reference to Flyknit technology’s sustainable properties. The signature HTM logo finishes off the design. In addition to the release of the Kobe 9 Elite Low HTM collection, Nike Basketball will introduce new versions of the Kobe 9 Elite Low in the near future.

Unfortunately for us here in the United States, where Kobe Bryant plays basketball and became a superstar, the Kobe 9 Elite Low HTM Collection will release exclusively at Nike Stadium Milano and Excelsior in Milan starting April 8. No news yet on wider availability.